Degree in Geriatric Psychology
Geriatric psychologists help older adults deal with issues arising from old age such as change, stress, death, memory problems and anxiety. Sometimes emotional problems occur in people who are coping with chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes and strokes, and these professionals assist in easing their suffering.
Geriatric psychologists see elderly patients in:
- Private practice offices
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Independent or assisted living facilities.
Online Degree Programs in Gerontology
- Kaplan University – BS in Human Services – Gerontology
- University of Phoenix – Master of Health Administration – Gerontology
- Capella University – MS in Gerontology
- University of Maryland University College – BS in Gerontology
- Ashford University – BA in Gerontology
- UMassOnline – Master’s in Gerontology
Geriatric Psychology Application
Degree in Geriatric Psychology
These professionals can work for the military counseling veterans. Geriatric psychologists can find jobs at major and privately owned hospitals and medical centers. A psychologist who sees patients in these settings is likely to encounter a variety of medical issues, including anxiety, psychological disorders and dementia. In addition to working with patients, geriatricians can collaborate with other hospital-based psychologists in doing research and teaching post-doc psychology fellows. These professionals can help families cope with the death of a loved one.
Geriatric psychologists who prefer a quieter work environment may enjoy treating residents in an independent assisted-living facility. Working in this environment offers the benefit of being able to develop close relationships with patients and their families.
Psychologists also have greater control over their schedules and treatment plans. They often work under the supervision of a seasoned psychologist or psychiatrist on staff.
Geriatric psychologists can choose to enhance their knowledge by conducting research. There are several prestigious universities across the USA, such as UCLA and Cornell University, that offer fellowships for psychologists interested in geriatric neurological and psychological research.
For instance, Cornell’s Geriatric Psychology and Career Development program provides accredited training to psychologists looking to expand their education or begin a research career. Students get an opportunity to research such things as mood disorders, psychotropic care for the elderly and the neurological bases of loss and grief.
Private Practice for Geriatric Psychologists
No doubt that private practice is still the most popular workplace for geriatric psychologists. Going into private practice allows the psychologist much flexibility in terms of setting fees, establishing patient load, and choosing insurance plans. Often geriatric psychologists enter private practice after years of working in a medical center or assisted-living facility. By that point they have gathered enough connections and clients to begin seeing patients privately on a regular basis. A psychologist in private practice can specialize in treating a specific population of the elderly, thus increasing the chance of getting more referrals.
Becoming a Geriatric Psychologist
If you want to become a geriatric psychologist, you need to complete a bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree in psychology with specializations in geriatric psychology.
Geriatric psychology training programs can be conducted online through courses offered by professional organizations such as the American Psychology Association.
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